Riders ready to refine their form at Maryborough rodeo

Caboolture cowboy Lachlan O'Neill will be one of the favourites in steer wrestling at the Maryborough Rodeo on Saturday.

Lachlan and his brother Jordan have been two of the best performers in the event in the past decade in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.

There are 183 nominations for the rodeo at the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park from 1pm on Saturday, January 8.

There are 21 riders in steer wrestling at Maryborough, a new rodeo in the APRA this year.

Warwick rider Shellie Miller is a strong chance for a place in the barrel race.

Leanne Caban from Emerald is a likely placing in the breakaway roping.

Cowgirl numbers are high at all rodeos with 30 contesting the barrel race and breakaway roping on Saturday in Maryborough.

St George rider Cameron Southern is one of nine cowboys in the open bull ride.

There are 66 riders nominated for the Maryborough Junior Rodeo on Sunday (January 9) with 25 in breakaway roping.

In junior rodeos, cowboys can compete in the barrel race and breakaway roping as well as in the two bucking events, the junior bull and steer rides.

There are 13 competitors in junior team roping on Sunday.

Action starts at 11am at the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park at 23349 Bruce Highway.

Many riders in action on Saturday will use Maryborough to fine tune their form for the Ariat APRA National Finals at Chiltern and Alexandra in Victoria over two weekends from January 21 to 29.

There are 257 nominations for the Alexandra Rodeo on Saturday so riders from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania are also fine tuning their form in Victoria this weekend. Hughenden (Qld) rider Gavin Fry has drawn the saddle bronc horse Savas at Alexandra on Saturday.

APRA upcoming dates:

January 8: Alexandra Rodeo, Vic; Maryborough Rodeo.

January 9: Junior rodeo at Maryborough.

January 14-15: Xtreme Bulls, Tamworth, NSW.

January 21-22: Rounds 1-2 of the Ariat APRA National Finals at Chiltern Racecourse and Recreation Reserve.

January 22: Harveydale Rodeo, Tas.

January 28-29: Rounds 3-4 of the Ariat APRA National Finals at Alexandra Dame Paddy Menzies Centre.

January 29: Korumburra, Vic; Wilmington Rodeo, SA.

February 4: Bulls and Bands, Bennett Ranch, Vic.

February 5: Wagga Wagga Rodeo, NSW.

February 12: Xtreme Bulls Penrith, NSW; Scottsdale Rodeo, Tas; Geelong Rodeo, Vic.

For more information call (07) 4661 8183.

Article courtesy of Queensland Country Life
Written by Gerard Walsh